Our Story
REConnections was founded on a simple, powerful belief: children thrive when they are supported for who they are—not who others expect them to be.
Co-founders Dr. Joleen Fernald and Dr. Lili Bernhardt first launched REConnections Education Center, a nonprofit school created to meet the needs of families seeking a more supportive, developmental approach to learning. The school’s success showed what’s possible when therapy, education, and relationship-based care work hand in hand.
Inspired by this impact, they set out to support even more children and families beyond the classroom. This vision led to the creation of the REConnections DIR® Center—a place where families can access individualized occupational therapy, speech therapy, and DIR®-based tutoring in a nurturing, relationship-focused environment.
At REConnections DIR® Center, every child is seen, supported, and celebrated for their unique strengths, while being guided toward meaningful growth and connection.
What We Believe
At REConnections DIR® Center, we use a neurodiversity-affirming approach rooted in the DIRFloortime® model. Our mission is to provide individualized therapy and academic support that meets each child where they are, helping them grow through connection, not compliance.
Our core values:
Individualized 1:1 support for every child
Collaboration between therapists, tutors, and families
A deep respect for each child’s unique way of learning, communicating, and connecting
The DIR® approach honors each child’s individuality by fostering safety, trust, and meaningful development at their own pace and on their own terms. Our approach is relationship-based and respectful—we never ask children to mask or perform.
Meet Our Founders
Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Clinical Director
Joleen is a speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience and a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language and an expert-level DIRFloortime® provider. As a parent of a neurodivergent child herself, Joleen brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the work she does every day.
Lilibel Bernhardt, PhD, COTA/L
Director of Operations
Lilibel is a certified Occupational Therapy Practitioner with a PhD in Organizational Psychology. She has worked with neurodivergent children since 2013 and brings a strong background in sensory integration and relationship-based therapy. At REConnections Education Center, she leads with intention, ensuring every aspect of the program stays aligned with the school’s mission.